2002-3003 Events and Artists

FALL 2002

Moscow Chamber OrchestraCountry - Russian Federation

One of the world's great chamber orchestras, The Moscow Chamber Orchestra was created in 1956 by renowned conductor and violist Rudolph Barshai. The MCO, known in Russia as the Russian State Academic Chamber Orchestra, has been an inspiration to important Russian composers, notably Dimitri Shostakovich, who entrusted the first performance of his 14th Symphony to the orchestra and said, "This must be the greatest chamber orchestra in the world". From the orchestra's beginning through the present day, it has been clear to international audiences that the MCO is an ensemble of the highest artistic and professional standards.

Jack EddlemanCountry - United States

Jack Eddleman has often been referred to as a Renaissance man. Actor, singer, dancer, make-up artist, stage director, choreographer and teacher, he is often involved in three or more of these disciplines at one time. His performing career began on Broadway where he appeared in eight musicals. He has appeared with many of the major regional companies including Cincinnati Opera, Ft. Worth Opera and Kansas City Lyric Opera. For New York City Opera, Jack Eddleman staged such works as The Barber of Seville, H.M.S Pinafore and The Pirates of Penzance. T.V. audiences viewed him with Carol Burnett in Once Upon a Mattress and with Phil Slivers in The Ballad of Louie the Louse, as well as two guest appearances on All My Children.

Oklahoma City Symphonic Band featuring W. Francis McBethCountry - United States

The Oklahoma City Symphonic Band, featuring Dr. W. Francis McBeth will present an evening of classical and contemporary band music. Dr. McBeth will guest conduct the Oklahoma City Symphonic Band in a program that will include some of his compositions. As a player, Dr. McBeth has performed in Germany, France, Italy, England, Scotland and Iceland. As a conductor and lecturer, he has performed in 48 of the 50 United States, Australia, Canada, Europe and Japan. Dr. McBeth has also been consistently in the top group of the most performed American symphonic wind composers for the past thirty years.

Newstead TrioCountry - United States

The Newstead Trio will present an evening of music for violin, cello and piano. Formed in 1993, The Newstead Trio, the resident ensemble at the Pennsylvania Academy of Music, has performed worldwide, including Canada, Hungary, Italy, China and Singapore, as well as throughout the United States. The Trio made its New York debut in April 2000 at Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall. The Trio's performances are personified by warmth, energy and depth of expression. The Newstead Trio recently released their third CD, featuring works by Paul Schoenfield and Antonin Dvorak.

SPRING 2003

The Little Angels from KoreaCountry - Korea

The Little Angels will present an evening of Korean folk music and dance, perpetuating the 5,000 year old tradition of their ancestors. The Little Angels are dedicated and spirited young ladies who have been especially selected and trained in Korean Folk Arts. Bringing joy and entertainment to millions of people throughout the world, these graceful and charming young artists have given more than 3,500 performances in more than 45 countries. In their innocent beauty and their unceasing striving for technical perfection, The Little Angels have achieved the honor of becoming Korea's cultural emissaries. From the first beat of the drum, to the last whirl of their exotic costumes, the excitement and beauty of The Little Angels weaves a spell of Oriental magic, which holds audiences spellbound.

Ruth SerrãoCountry - Brazil

One of Brazil's outstanding artists, Ruth Serrão will present an evening of international music for the piano. She is a faculty member at Universidade do Rio de Janeiro and performs as a pianist and chamber musician throughout the world. Serrão has performed in many of the Villa-Lobos celebrations in Brazil and has premiered the works of numerous contemporary South American composers. In the United States, she has appeared as a soloist, in chamber groups and with orchestras. She is an acknowledged authority on South American music, presenting lectures and concerts on the subject in the United States, Europe and Brazil.

Brad RichterCountry - Unites States

Brad Richter, a guitarist with a command of several styles, will present an evening of classical, international and original compositions. Born in Enid Oklahoma, Richter was originally self-taught and went on to receive scholarships from the American conservatory of Music and the Royal College of Music in London. A versatile player, Richter can be heard on several compact discs, playing jazz, bluegrass and folk, as well as classical. He has performed as a soloist and with ensembles throughout North America and Europe. His overwhelming command of the guitar as well as his charismatic stage presence have made him a favorite with audiences, presenters and critics worldwide.